Covering with pockets and method for manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

A covering with pockets and a method for manufacturing the same is provided. The covering includes at least one pocket that is coupled to a base material. At least one slit is formed through the base material, wherein the slit is positioned with respect to an opening defined by the pocket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to coverings and, more specifically, tocoverings with pockets.

Coverings are used by individuals when sleeping, relaxing, reading, orperforming some other leisurely activity. Coverings are also used byindividuals to keep warm, protect them from inclement weather, or insome way protect the individuals from something on the other side of thecovering. At times the upper body and arms of an individual can beexposed when the individual is using an object, such as a book, remotecontrol, pen, or other device, which may be uncomfortable to a userdesiring warmth or protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a covering is provided. The covering includes at leastone pocket coupled to a base material, and at least one slit formedthrough the base material. The slit is positioned with respect to anopening of the pocket.

In another aspect, a sleeping bag is provided. The sleeping bag includesat least one pocket coupled to a base material, and at least one slitformed through the base material. The slit is positioned with respect toan opening of the pocket.

In another aspect, a blanket is provided. The blanket includes at leastone pocket coupled to a base material and at least one pocket definingan opening. At least one slit is formed through the base material, andthe slit(s) is/are positioned with respect to the pocket opening(s).Pocket flap(s) is/are positioned to enclose the slit(s) and the pocketopening(s).

In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a covering is provided.The method includes providing a base material and a pocket material;forming a slit in the base material; and coupling the pocket material tothe base material. The pocket material forms a pocket having a pocketopening, and the pocket opening is near the slit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a covering according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c are enlarged views of pockets used with coveringsaccording to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary covering according to oneembodiment as used by an individual.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a covering according to an alternativeembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to coverings and a method formanufacturing coverings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the artand guided by the teachings herein provided that a covering can beconstrued broadly, such as a blanket, cover, comforter, quilt, sleepingbag, or as a protective covering for use in a field where the userdesires protection or ease of use.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the possibleembodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings in connection with and the manufacturing of a covering.However, the embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enablethose skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and that other changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the covering includes a marking thereon including,without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, amanufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. For example,the marking may include printed text that indicates a product's name andbriefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate amanufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/orornamentation that attract attention (e.g., sports logo).

The covering may have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration,i.e. number of edges or curvature of material, whether such sizes,shapes and/or configurations are described and/or illustrated herein.For example, in one embodiment, the covering includes a shape thatfacilitates transporting the covering (e.g., easily folded) and/or ashape that facilitates stacking and/or arrangement of a plurality ofcoverings.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a covering 100.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of covering 100. Covering 100 is configuredfor an individual. In alternative embodiments, covering 100 isconfigured for one or more individuals. Covering 100 warms and/orprotects the individual using covering 100. As shown in FIG. 1, covering100 is a cover (e.g., blanket, comforter, quilt) or a sleeping bag andis configured to cover the user. In some embodiments, covering 100substantially or completely surrounds the user. As shown in FIG. 1,covering 100 is a blanket. As shown in FIG. 4, covering 100 is asleeping bag.

As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 includes a base material 138. Basematerial 138 can be any suitable flexible material. Base material 138can be one material (e.g., cotton) or a combination of two or morematerials (e.g., cotton and polyester) that is/are suitable formanufacturing a blanket. In some embodiments, base material 138 includesa fabric. The fabric includes natural and/or artificial fibers, such ascotton, wool, hemp, flax, hair, silk, polyester, and/or rayon. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, base material 138 includes fleece. Inyet other embodiments, base material 138 is partially or completely madefrom a flexible plastic. Furthermore, it is apparent to those skilled inthe art and guided by the teachings provided herein that any suitableflexible material or combination of materials may be used to makecovering 100.

Base material 138 has a top material side 140 and a bottom material side(not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, a user of covering 100 is typicallypositioned with respect to the bottom material side, and pockets, asdescribed below, are coupled to the top material side 140 of basematerial 138. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artand guided by the teachings herein provided that covering 100 can bemanufactured and used with pockets on the bottom material side.

As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 includes a top edge 160 and a bottomedge 170. Each edge 160, 170, has a corresponding length 162, 172,respectively. In these embodiments, each length 162, 172 is sufficientlylong enough so that covering 100 is suitable for use by an individual,including a child or baby. As shown in FIG. 1, lengths 162, 172 aresubstantially equal. Alternatively, lengths 162, 172 can be independentof each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 includes opposing side edges 180, 190.Each side edge 180, 190 has a length 182, 192, respectively. In theseembodiments, lengths 182, 192 is sufficiently long enough so that thecovering is suitable for use by an individual, including a child orbaby. As shown in FIG. 1, lengths 182, 192 are substantially equal.Alternatively, lengths 182, 192 can be independent of each other.However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings provided herein that many suitable sizes and configurationsexist for covering 100 and that covering 100 is not necessarily shapedin a rectangle but could be a number of shapes. Furthermore, edges 160,170, 180, and 190 can independently be linear (as shown in FIG. 1) ornon-linear, and can be configured to provide covering 100 with slightcurvature so that covering 100 is not planar.

In some embodiments, edges 160, 170, 180, and 190 are reinforced withany suitable reinforcement, such as serge.

As shown in FIG. 4, covering 100 is a sleeping bag 200. Sleeping bag 200has a width 260 and a length 280. Width 260 and length 280 are generallylarge enough to fit the individual user. However, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided hereinthat many styles, shapes, and/or sizes of sleeping bags exist that aresuitable for embodiments of the present invention.

In alternative embodiments, covering 100 is a baby's or child's blanketor a covering for a baby or child in a car seat.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 c, at least one pocket 110 is coupled to topmaterial side 140 of base material 138. Pocket 110 includes a pocketmaterial 148 having a pocket edge 120. As shown in FIG. 1, pocket 110couples to base material 138 along pocket edge 120. More specifically,pocket 110 is sewn to base material 138 at least partially along pocketedge 120 forming or defining a pocket opening 116 (shown in FIGS. 2 a-2c).

In some embodiments (as shown in FIG. 2 a), pocket edge 120 includesthree separate edges, edges 121, 122, and 123, sewn to base material 138to form pocket 110. In some embodiments, pocket edge 120 is reinforcedwith serge.

In alternative embodiments, pocket 110 includes a pocket back (notshown) that at least partially couples to base material 138. In theseembodiments, pocket 110 is formed from pocket material 148 with pocketedges 120, but pocket edges 120 are not necessarily coupled to basematerial 138.

Although two pockets 110 are shown in FIG. 1, the present invention canhave one or more than two pockets 110. Furthermore, if covering 100 hasmore than one pocket 110, each pocket is not required to have the samesize, shape, and/or material as the other pocket(s).

In alternative embodiments, pocket 110 has a first pocket opening (notshown) and a second pocket opening (not shown). In these embodiments,the first and second pocket openings of pocket 110 share pocket space ofpocket 110.

In some embodiments, additional pockets 110 can be used to hold smallerobjects, such as remote controls and/or pens. As shown in FIG. 4,additional pockets 110 can be specially designed to hold specific items(for example, a flashlight).

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c, pocket 110 further includes apocket material 148. Pocket material 148 is not limited to a flexiblematerial like that of base material 138, but any material that issuitable for holding objects can be coupled to base material 138. Insome embodiments, pocket material 148 is a flexible material. In someembodiments, pocket material 148 is made of the same material as basematerial 138. In some embodiments, pocket material 148 is thicker thanbase material 138.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, pocket 110 can have a variety of sizes and/orshapes. As shown in FIG. 1, pocket 110 are large and deep enough to atleast partially fit or accommodate a user's hand and forearm. In someembodiments (shown in FIG. 4), pocket 110 can be specifically designedto hold an object (e.g., flashlight). It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that avariety of pocket sizes and/or shapes exist that are suitable for usewith covering 100. Furthermore, if covering 100 has a plurality ofpockets 110, the pockets 110 may have sizes and/or shapes different fromeach other.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c show pocket 110 having a pocket opening 116.Pocket opening 116 has a suitable size and/or shape for allowing a useraccess to pocket 110 and/or for allowing specific objects to be placedinside pocket 110. In some embodiments, pocket opening 116 is about 8inches to about 15 inches wide and about 2 inches deep, measured frombase material 138 to pocket material 148. In alternative embodiments,pocket opening 116 is specifically designed for objects to have accessto the pocket.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c, pocket 110 is positioned such thatpocket opening 116 is positioned with respect to a slit 112. A “slit” isdefined broadly as an opening. Slit 112 can be made by cutting orforming a straight line in base material 138, or slit 112 can be made byforming an oval or circle void in base material 138. In alternativeembodiments, slit 112 includes a first slit material (not shown) and asecond slit material (not shown), wherein the first slit materialoverlaps the second slit material forming a long, narrow opening. Insome embodiments, the edges of slits 112 are reinforced with binding orserge.

Generally, the size of slit 112 should allow the user to fit his or herhands through slit 112. In some embodiments, the size of slit 112 allowsthe user to comfortably fit his or her hands and at least partially hisor her arms through slit 112. In some embodiments, slit 112 has a lengthof about 3 inches to about 10 inches long.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 c, slit 112 is positioned near pocket opening116. In some embodiments, slit 112 runs generally parallel to pocketopening 116. In some embodiments, slit 112 is substantially aligned withpocket opening 116. Yet still in some embodiments, slit 112 ispositioned within pocket 110 (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 b). Inother embodiments, slit 112 is positioned above pocket opening 116 (forexample, as shown in FIG. 2 a). In other embodiments, slit 112 isroughly parallel to pocket opening 116 and is within about 1 inch ofpocket opening 116. In some embodiments, slit 112 is about a half inch(½) from pocket opening 116 (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 c). In oneembodiment (as shown in FIG. 1), two slits 112 are about 45 degrees withrespect to top edge 160, angled down toward each other, and positionednear corresponding pockets 110.

Referring further to FIGS. 1-2 c, covering 100 has a pocket flap 126that is configured to cover or enclose pocket opening 116 and/or slit112. As shown in FIG. 1, pocket flap 126 extends from pocket 110 along aflap crease 125. More specifically, pocket flap 126 extends from pocketmaterial 148 along a flap crease 125 and is defined by a portion ofpocket edge 120 that is not coupled to base material 138. In alternativeembodiments, pocket flap 126 is separate from pocket material 148 andcouples to base material 138 along flap crease 125 above pocket opening116 and slit 112 (as shown in FIG. 2 b). In these embodiments, pocketflap 126 can be configured to naturally fall over pocket opening 116 (asshown by the dotted line in FIG. 2 b) and slit 112 (also shown as adotted line in 2 b). Furthermore, in these embodiments, slit 112 can bewithin pocket 110 or above pocket opening 116.

In some embodiments, pocket flap 126 removably attaches to base material138 near slit 112 and pocket opening 116. More specifically, pocket flap126 removably attaches to base material 138 above slit 112 and pocketopening 116. In other embodiments, pocket flap 126 is coupled to basematerial 138 along flap crease 125 and above pocket opening 116, andremovably attaches to pocket material 148.

Pocket flap 126 can removably attach to any material using a suitableattachment mechanism, such as a Velcro® fastener, loop fastener, orhook. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings provided herein that many suitable attachment mechanisms maybe used to removably attach pocket flap 126 to base material 138 orpocket material 148.

Pocket flap 126 includes a pocket flap material (not shown) having apocket flap edge 128. The pocket flap material is not limited to aflexible material like that of base material, but any material that issuitable for operating as a flap may be used to form pocket flap 126. Insome embodiments, the pocket flap material is the same material aspocket material 148. In some embodiments, the pocket flap materialextends from pocket 110 along flap crease 125 and is a portion of pocketmaterial 148. In other embodiments, the pocket flap material isdifferent from pocket material 148 and couples to pocket material 148along flap crease 125. In some embodiments, the pocket flap material isthicker and/or sturdier than pocket material 148.

Pocket flap edge 128 defines a perimeter of pocket flap 126. In someembodiments, pocket flap edge 128 is a portion of pocket edge 120 thatis not coupled to base material 138. In some embodiments, pocket flapedge 128 has a curved top 129 (shown in FIG. 2 a). In other embodiments,pocket flap edge 128 forms a rectangular top (as shown in FIG. 2 b). Inother embodiments (as shown in 2 a), pocket flap edge 128 extends intoand intersects with edges 121, 123 and flap crease 125 at a pair ofopposing ends 131, 132 (shown in FIG. 2 a).

In some embodiments, pocket flap 126 extends from pocket 110 and is aportion of pocket material 148. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2a, pocket flap 126 couples to base material 138 at least partially alongflap crease 125. Flap crease 125 is not necessarily linear. In someembodiments, flap crease 125 is substantially straight. In someembodiments, flap crease 125 is substantially parallel to slit 112. Inother embodiments, flap crease 125 is slightly oblique to slit 112.

As shown in FIG. 2 b, pocket flap 126 is separate from pocket material148 and couples to base material 138 along a portion of flap crease 125or pocket flap edge 128. In these embodiments, pocket flap 126 couplesto base material 138 along a portion of flap crease 125 or pocket flapedge 128 above slit 112 and pocket opening 116.

Pocket flap 126 is positioned in order to at least partially enclose orsubstantially enclose slit 112 and pocket opening 116 simultaneously. Inother embodiments, pocket flap 126 is positioned in order to at leastpartially enclose or substantially enclose slit 112 when removablyattached to base material 138 or, alternatively when not removablyattached to base material 138, to at least partially enclose orsubstantially enclose pocket opening 116 (for example, when pocket flap126 couples to base material 138 below slit 112 but above pocket opening116).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, pockets 110 and slits 112 appear symmetricwhen positioned on covering 100. However, in alternative embodiments,pockets 110 and slits 112 can have a variety of arrangements that arecomfortable for the user. It is apparent to those skilled in the art andguided by the teachings provided herein that the arrangement of pocket110 and slit 112 may be any suitable and/or comfortable arrangement forthe user.

A method for manufacturing a covering with pockets is also provided. Amore detailed discussion for manufacturing an exemplary embodiment (asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a) is described below. However, the descriptionof the method below is not intended to be limiting, but merely used asan example of one method for manufacturing covering 100 or similarcovering.

Base material 138 is provided. Base material 138 includes fleece andincludes top edge 160, bottom edge 170, and opposing side edges 180,190. Edges 160, 170, 180, 190 of base material 138 form a rectangularshape. Widths 162, 172 of top edge 160 and bottom edge 170,respectively, are each about 60 inches. Lengths 182, 192 of opposingside edges 180, 190, respectively, are each about 90 inches. At leastone of edges 160, 170, 180, and 190 are reinforced with serge.

Two slits 112 are cut into base material 138 creating openings throughbase material 138. Slits 112 are at a 45 degree angle with respect toopposing side edges 180, 190, and converge downwardly towards each otheras shown in FIG. 1. The upper ends of the two slits 112 are about 13inches from a longitudinal centerline 195, and about 22 inches from topedge 160. Edges formed from the slits 112 are reinforced with a fleecebinding so as to not allow any loose fabric ends.

Two pockets 110 are attached to top material side 140 of base material138 by sewing pocket material 148 to base material 138 partially alongpocket edge 120. Pocket opening 116 is defined as the gap betweenpartially sewn pocket material 148 and base material 138. Each pocket110 has a pocket flap 126 extending from the pocket material along aflap crease 125.

Each pocket 110 is positioned such that pocket opening 116 runsgenerally parallel to and at a distance of about a half inch (½) from acorresponding slit 112, such that flap crease 125 of each pocket 110 isgenerally aligned with a corresponding slit 112. Each pocket 110 definesopening 116, interior edge 121 which is nearer to the longitudinalcenterline, a bottom edge 122, and an outside edge 123 which is nearerto a side edge. Each pocket opening 116 is about 11.5 inches long andeach bottom edge 122 is about 7 inches wide. Bottom corners of thepocket, formed by bottom edge 122 and the outside edge 123 and interioredge 121, are rounded.

Each pocket flap 126 has a curved pocket flap edge 128 extending adistance of about 5 inches from the pocket opening 116 at the apex ofthe curve. Pocket flap edge 128 extends into edges 121, 123 at a pair ofopposing ends 131, 132 of flap crease 125.

Pocket flap 126 is made from the same piece of material as the pocket110, but with additional layer of material for added stiffness. Theadditional layer is made of a fusible layer. These layers are sewntogether along flap crease 125. Velcro® attached along the top of thepocket flap 126 attaches to Velcro® sewn to base material 138 allowingthe pocket flap to close over and cover the pocket opening. A height ofthe pocket, from bottom edge 122 to an apex of a pocket flap edge 128 isabout 13 inches.

Exemplary embodiments of coverings and methods for manufacturing aredescribed and/or illustrated above in detail. The coverings and methodsare not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, butrather, components of each covering and steps of each method may beutilized independently and separately from other coverings and stepsdescribed herein. Each covering component and method step can also beused in combination with other covering components and/or method steps.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theclaims.

1. A covering comprising: at least one pocket coupled to a base material, said at least one pocket defining an opening; at least one slit formed through said base material, said slit positioned with respect to said opening of said pocket.
 2. A covering in accordance with claim 1 wherein said covering further comprises a pocket flap positioned to enclose said slit and said pocket opening.
 3. A covering in accordance with claim 2 wherein said pocket flap is coupled to said pocket.
 4. A covering in accordance with claim 1 wherein said covering comprises at least two pockets coupled to the base material.
 5. A covering in accordance with claim 4 wherein said at least two pockets are positioned for suitable and comfortable use by an individual.
 6. A sleeping bag comprising: at least one pocket coupled to a base material, said at least one pocket defining an opening; at least one slit formed through said base material, said slit near said opening of said pocket.
 7. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said sleeping bag further comprising a pocket flap positioned to enclose the slit and the pocket opening.
 8. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said sleeping bag comprises at least two pockets coupled to said base material.
 9. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said at least two pockets are positioned for suitable and comfortable use by an individual.
 10. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 7 wherein said pocket flap extends from said pocket.
 11. A method of manufacturing a covering, the method comprising: providing a base material and at least one pocket material; forming a slit in the base material; coupling the pocket material to the base material, the pocket material forming a pocket having a pocket opening positioned near the slit.
 12. A method in accordance with claim 11 further comprising providing a pocket flap and attaching the pocket flap to one of the pocket material and the base material, the pocket flap positioned to enclose the slit and the pocket opening.
 13. A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein attaching the pocket material to the base material further comprises forming a pocket flap, the pocket flap positioned to enclose the slit and the pocket opening.
 14. A method in accordance with claim 11 further comprising providing at least two pocket materials and attaching the at least two pocket materials to the base material, each pocket material of the at least two pocket materials forming pockets.
 15. A method in accordance with claim 14 further comprising positioning the pockets formed from the at least two pocket materials for suitable and comfortable use by an individual.
 16. A blanket comprising: at least one pocket coupled to a base material, said at least one pocket defining an opening; at least one slit formed through said base material, said slit positioned near said pocket opening; and at least one pocket flap, said pocket flap positioned to enclose said slit(s) and said pocket opening(s). 